Lake Lure’s rugged edges have gained a new guardian: a 49-acre tract of mountain land near Buffalo Shoals Road, now protected to anchor the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. This acquisition isn’t just about saving green space; it’s a strategic step toward weaving an interconnected 100+ mile trail system that will circle Lake Lure and reach Bearwallow Mountain, linking Youngs Mountain, Buffalo Creek Park, Weed Patch Mountain Trail, and Chimney Rock State Park in a continuous ribbon of outdoor opportunities.

This land could have easily slipped into development near the lakeshore neighborhoods, but by securing it, we're preserving an ideal canvas for sustainable trail construction—specifically, a contour trail that respects the slope and soil stability. It’s a smart move, laying the groundwork for a trail route that threads through the eastern side of the lake, connecting the existing 38 miles of trails already in place.

The Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail isn’t just a plan on paper; it’s a vision for adventure that balances eager exploration with environmental responsibility. The terrain here offers a moderate challenge—rolling forested ridges that demand attention without punishing, shaded by hardwoods whispering with the breeze while wildlife stirs cautiously nearby.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the NC Complete the Trails program and North Carolina State Parks and Recreation, whose funding made this acquisition possible. This partnership turns possibility into progress, ensuring that future generations will taste the crisp mountain air and hear the quiet power of the Gorge firsthand.

Before you lace up for this expanding network of trails, consider the practicalities: good footwear with solid grip, hydration tailored to mountain exertion, and timing hikes for early morning or late afternoon when the light softens and the air cools. Trails here will respect the land’s natural contours, so expect variable footing that asks for smart pacing rather than speed.

Though trail construction is pending further land acquisitions, this 49-acre parcel is a significant win—a foothold in the ongoing quest to build a trail experience that’s fiercely authentic and deeply rewarding. With every step toward trail completion, hikers will engage with a mountain land that dares you to listen, watch, and move with respect for its tenacious spirit. The future of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail is being shaped today, and this new protected land is the keystone.